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Variable Power
Perhaps the most common type of scope used with .223 caliber rifles are variable power scopes. These scopes feature adjustable magnification which allows you to adjust your scope for short to long range shooting. For example, a 3-9 powered scope allows you to adjust the magnification from three to nine times your normal vision. Tactical versions of variable power scopes will feature ranging marks (or mil-dots) along the scopes reticles; use these marks for estimating range.
Fixed Power
Fixed power scopes are set to one magnification setting; for example. The most common fixed power scopes used with .223 rifles are four- and six-power scopes. These scopes are practical for short and medium range targets, the kind most often encountered with this caliber rifle. The first combat scopes used with the M-16 rifle were four-power scopes.
Red Dot
Red dot scopes work for the short to medium range targets often encountered in tactical situations. Red dot scopes are powered with lithium batteries and produce an adjustable red LED light that is only visible through the scope. The red LED light will have the appearance of a laser beam to the shooter. These scopes are very accurate for engaging targets at medium ranges; however, they are not well suited for long distance shooting.
Holographic/Reflex
Holographic, or reflex, sights feature a single sight window that has holographic reticles projected into the glass. This kind of sight offers no magnification qualities but is extremely effective at quick target engagement. Like with the red dot scopes, lithium batteries power these and they are not practical for long-range targets.